A small, fast sailing vessel used for naval patrols or dispatches in historical maritime contexts.
Compound of 'dog' and 'boat,' from Old English 'bat.' The 'dog' prefix here may indicate a small, quick, or fierce quality, though the exact etymology is debated among nautical historians.
In naval terminology, small aggressive vessels were often named after animals—dogboats represented a type of patrol vessel that was quick enough to chase down smugglers and pirates.
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